Did Russia threaten Armenia? (video)

With their decision to join the Customs Union, Armenian authorities first of all deceive themselves, says Professor Jirayr Liparityan, Chief Adviser to the President of Armenia from 1994 to 1997.

“We are speaking about a threat, rather than security. And if we replace the words, things will be perceived in a different light,” he said.

Jirayr Liparityan says Armenia had some fears and joined the Customs Union to solve the issue and the danger, he says, came from Turkey.

Speaking about the recent events in the Armenian-populated town of Kessab, Mr Liparityan expressed his concern over the fact that the authorities are trying to mitigate the tension. The professor says Syrian Armenians had better settle in Armenia or in Karabakh.

“The most important thing today is to save out compatriots in Syria,” he said.